In order to achieve closure of a diabetic foot ulcer three objections must be accomplished. First, the patient must have adequate circulation (blood flow) to the wound site and the blood glucose levels must be well controlled within that blood flow. Second, the wound must be appropriately dressed and all measures to prevent or treat any active infection must be taken. Finally, pressure and shearing forces must be offloaded and redistributed so that new healthy skin can grow over the opening. If there is heavy callous developing over the wound or any excessive pressure applied to an open wound it will not close.

We offer assessment and management of all the healing factors for a diabetic wound from vascular assessments, infection management through prescription of oral or topical antibiotics, dressing management and sharp debridement (callous and necrotic tissue removal), and a complete array of offloading options. Offloading a wound can be as simple as wearing a pair of orthopaedic footwear to an walking aircast and the gold standard of a Total Contact Casting(TCC).

​TCC is a casting technique that is used to heal diabetic foot ulcers, with reported healing rates of about 90% in 6 weeks. The Total Contact Cast closely conforms to the exact shape of the foot – creating a chamber just right for healing. It works by redistributing weight off of the foot ulcer and onto the lower leg thereby allowing for fast healing.

Diabetic Foot Care

It is essential for diabetic patients to pay proper attention to their feet as problems may occur as a result of either circulation or nerve changes. Here are some foot complications that diabetic patients may encounter and some possible treatment options that are available by your chiropodist.

Daily monitoring and preventative care for normally mild foot concerns such as callus, corns or ingrown toenails are imperative for a patient with diabetes. This preventative care is important because a combination of neural and vascular changes may result in wounds (Diabetic Foot Ulcers) or spreading infection.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers – Are an open wound due to circulation problems, lack of sensation, or pressure. Management consists of evaluation, debridement, and appropriate dressings, deflective padding, offloading devices or orthotics may be necessary. Learn more about healing diabetic foot ulcers with weight distribution and total contact casting - Watch a Total Contact Cast being applied.

Any of the above conditions, if left untreated, may result in serious complications requiring more aggressive therapies and/or hospitalization. Get proper professional footcare from a chiropodist in order to prevent such problems. This allows you to put your best foot forward.